Malawi Queens jets in: NAM and Multichoice organize special party

The Malawi Queens are back in town from New Zealand where they took part in the Fast5 World Netball Series after scooping the fifth slot and made new grounds by beating England and Australia.

The South African Airways plane which carried the Queens landed at Kamuzu International Airport in the capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe exactly at 12:05pm.

Upon arrival, Malawi Queens evergreen shooter Mwai ‘Professor’ Kumwenda told Nyasa Times that she was delighted with their performance after beating Australia twice basing on the fact that the Diamonds are rated as one of the best in the World.

“I was so happy after beating Australia because there were a number of players l know in that team. This has given us confidence that we can do it and l have every hope that in the tournaments to come we will do better,” said Kumwenda.

Malawi Queens: Back with smiles

Kumwenda also stressed that their loss to South Africa was because their continental rivals prepared fully comparing with them.

For instance, she said South Africa stayed in New Zealand more than a month playing friendly matches.

“Our friends prepared fully having been in New Zealand for more than a month. Next time when there is a tournament like this it will be better to leave early for more friendly matches,” said Kumwenda.

Another young and upcoming player, who made the trip, Lauren ‘China’ Ngwira said the tournament was fruitful because it was her first time to face giants in netball like England.

“Being my debut to face big teams like England l was so happy and I have learnt a lot. Our only plea to companies is to take a leading role in supporting us because we are ready to deliver than what we did,” said Ngwira.

The Queens captain Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira emphasasized that their victories against England and Australia has given them confidence.

“We are now confident that if we managed to beat England and Australia what can stop us to do the same next time with the likes of Jamaica or New Zealand and scoop first position in the World? With enough resources anything is possible,” said Ngwira.

Meanwhile, Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) in conjunction with Multichoice Malawi has organized a dinner for the Queens slated for Saturday evening at Steers Debonairs at a token of appreciation for the team’s stunning performance.

Netball Asociation of Malawi’s general secretary Helene Mpinganjira told Nyasa Times that apart from the dinner, different companies have organized packages to be presented to the players.

“We need to recommend our players for beating world class teams in the just ended Fast5 Tournament. They produced a stunning performance and it was just unfortunate to miss the semi-finals,” said Mpinganjira.

Mpinganjira said people who want to dine and wine with the Queens would be required to cough K4, 000 (about $1.33) which will be used for the team’s welfare.

“People will have a chance to take photographs as well as have autographs from our heroes. Companies can also buy tables at a reasonable fee. Tickets are currently selling at Steers in Blantyre,” she said.

During the dinner, MultiChoice Malawi will beam the highlights of the games in which the Queens were successful.

“We have also organised some DVDs of the games in New Zealand for the players and the officials so that they can watch at home and savour the experience,” said Chimwemwe Nyirenda of MultiChoice Malawi.

The Queens finished fifth at the six-team event. They won three games and lost to Jamaica, South Africa and New Zealand.